Systems and methods for aerial treatment of overhead cabling

ABSTRACT

An aerial cable treatment system having a cable surface preparation assembly and a coating assembly. The cable treatment system is translatable along an in-situ aerial cable. The cable surface preparation assembly can remove dirt and debris, such as carbon deposit, grease, mud, fertilizers, bird droppings, fungal growth, mosses, soot, ice, and like from aerial cables with varying sizes as it translates along the cable. The coating assembly can apply a coating to the outer surface of the in-situ aerial cable it translates along the cable.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/975,734, entitled SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AERIAL TREATMENT OFOVERHEAD CABLING, filed May 9, 2018, which claims the benefit of U.S.application Ser. No. 62/504,849, entitled SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AERIALTREATMENT OF OVERHEAD CABLING, filed May 11, 2017, and herebyincorporates the same applications herein by reference in theirentirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to the in-situ aerial treatmentof cables, such as overhead conductors, suspension cabling, and thelike.

BACKGROUND

As the need for electricity continues to grow, the need for highercapacity transmission and distribution lines grows as well. The amountof power a transmission line can deliver is dependent on thecurrent-carrying capacity (ampacity) of the line. The ampacity of aline, however, is limited by the maximum safe operating temperature ofthe bare conductor that carries the current. Exceeding this temperaturecan result in damage to the conductor or to the transmission anddistribution line accessories. The conductor temperature is determinedby the cumulative effect of heating and cooling on the line. Theconductor is heated by Ohmic losses and solar heat and cooled byconduction, convection and radiation. The amount of heat generated dueto Ohmic losses depends on the current (I) and the electrical resistance(R) of the conductor and is determined by the relationship that Ohmiclosses=I²R. Electrical resistance (R) itself is further dependent ontemperature. Higher current and temperature leads to higher electricalresistance, which, in turn, leads to greater electrical losses in theconductor.

Several solutions have been proposed in the art to create highercapacity transmission and distribution lines. For example, overheadconductors coated with spectrally selective surface coatings are known.Such coatings can have a coefficient of heat emission (E) higher than0.7 and coefficient of solar absorption (A) that is less than 0.3. Suchcoatings can be white in color to lower solar absorption.

Prior to a coating, a transmission or distribution line is typicallycleaned or otherwise prepared to receive the coating. While, there areexisting technologies available separately for cleaning and coating fordifferent purposes, the technology is not suitable for cleaning allkinds of dirt on various size of the lines. Furthermore, existingtechnologies are not suitable for cleaning and applying a coating tolive (i.e., in-situ) transmission or distribution lines. Instead, suchcoatings can only be applied to the transmission and distribution linesduring manufacture of the lines, or at least at a point in time prior tothe installation of the lines. Many millions of linear feet of lines areinstalled and actively carrying current that could benefit from theapplication of various coatings and/or other type of treatments.Furthermore, in addition to transmission and distribution lines, othertypes of wires and cabling (i.e., bridge cables, guy-wires, supportlines, etc.) could benefit from various surface treatments and/orcoatings. Therefore, there is a need for a system for preparing andtreating overhead cabling in-situ.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of an example aerial cable treatment system.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the aerial cable treatment system depicted inFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 depicts an example cable surface preparation assembly.

FIGS. 4A-4B each depict an example cable surface preparation assembly.

FIG. 5 depicts an example cable coating assembly.

FIG. 6 depicts another example cable coating assembly.

FIG. 7 depicts an example multi-carriage aerial cable treatment system.

FIGS. 8A-8D depict an example aerial cable treatment system having acable access assembly.

FIG. 9 depicts an example air delivery assembly.

FIG. 10 depicts an example optical coating inspection system.

FIG. 11 depicts example rotatable brush assemblies with the bristlesremoved for clarity.

FIG. 12 depicts an example control system of an aerial cable treatmentsystem.

FIG. 13 depicts an example operational environment of an aerial cabletreatment system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure provides for aerial cable treatment systems andmethods of treating aerial cables. Various nonlimiting embodiments ofthe present disclosure will now be described to provide an overallunderstanding of the principles of the function, design and use of theaerial cable treatment systems. One or more examples of thesenonlimiting embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the methodsdescribed herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings arenonlimiting example embodiments and that the scope of the variousnonlimiting embodiments of the present disclosure are defined solely bythe claims. The features illustrated or described in connection with onenonlimiting embodiment can be combined with the features of othernonlimiting embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intendedto be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Surface treatments and coatings described herein can be applied to avariety of cables, including, but not limited to, high voltage overheadelectricity transmission lines. As can be appreciated, such overheadelectricity transmission lines can be formed in a variety ofconfigurations and can generally include a core formed from a pluralityof conductive wires. For example, aluminum conductor steel reinforced(“ACSR”) cables, aluminum conductor steel supported (“ACSS”) cables,aluminum conductor composite core (ACCC®) cables and all aluminum alloyconductor (“AAAC”) cables. ACSR cables are high-strength strandedconductors and include outer conductive strands, and supportive centerstrands. The outer conductive strands can be formed from high-purityaluminum alloys having a high conductivity and low weight. The centersupportive strands can be steel and can have the strength required tosupport the more ductile outer conductive strands. ACSR cables can havean overall high tensile strength. ACSS cables areconcentric-lay-stranded cables and include a central core of steelaround which is stranded one or more layers of aluminum or aluminumalloy wires. ACCC® cables, in contrast, are reinforced by a central coreformed from one or more of carbon, glass fiber, aluminum oxide fiber orpolymer materials. A composite core can offer a variety of advantagesover an all-aluminum or steel-reinforced conventional cable as thecomposite core's combination of high tensile strength and low thermalsag enables longer spans. ACCC® cables can enable new lines to be builtwith fewer supporting structures. AAAC cables are made with aluminum oraluminum alloy wires. AAAC cables can have a better corrosionresistance, due to the fact that they are largely, or completely,aluminum. ACSR, ACSS, ACCC®, and AAAC cables can be used as overheadcables for overhead distribution and transmission lines. Other examplesof high voltage overhead electricity transmission lines include, withoutlimitation, aluminum conductor composite reinforced cable, provided by3M, and all-aluminum conductor (AAC) distribution and transmissionlines.

In addition to electrical transmission aerial cables, the systems andmethods described herein can be utilized to provide surface treatmentsand apply the coatings described herein to a variety of other types ofaerial cables without departing from the scope of the presentdisclosure. Some examples of aerial cables that can be treated and/orcoated using the aerial cable treatment systems and methods describedhere include, without limitation, bridge cables, cable care wires, skilift wires, guy-wires, support lines, and overheard electrical lines forlight rails. Moreover, the systems and methods described herein can beutilized to provide surface treatments and apply the coatings describedherein to either insulated or uninsulated cables. Aerial cables inaccordance with the present disclosure can be conductive ornon-conductive, and can comprise any variety of materials, such asaluminum, steel, iron, and so forth. The aerial cable can have agenerally round cross-sectional shape. Further, in some cases, variousaccessories that are associated with the aerial cable, such as linecouplers, fittings, housings, and the like, can be treated and/or coatedalong with the aerial cable.

The aerial cable treatment systems and methods described herein providefor the cleaning and/or coating of aerial cabling subsequent to theinstallation of the cabling. Thus, such systems can be deployed to cleanand/or coat in-situ aerial cabling (i.e., aerial cable that is in itsoperational environment). With regard to high-voltage transmission lines(i.e., live cables with voltages in the range of 66 kV to 345 kV), forexample, the aerial cable treatment system can attach to a line andtraverse the line between two adjacent towers, or other suitable spans,cleaning and/or coating the line as it travels. In accordance withcertain embodiments, an aerial cable treatment system is automated andutilizes an image processing system such that decisioning regarding thetreatment and/or coating, direction of travel, rate of travel, and soforth, can be performed by an onboard controller. An aerial cabletreatment system can be driven along the aerial cable, or otherwisepushed or pulled, by a motorized wheel system having one or more drivewheels. In some embodiments, the wheel system can be capable of adaptingto various cables diameters (i.e., conductors diameters) ranging from0.5″ to 1.5″, or larger, as may be needed.

Certain aerial cable treatment systems and methods in accordance withthe present disclosure can prepare a surface of the aerial cable andthen apply a surface coating or other type of treatment. Surfacepreparation mechanisms of the aerial cable treatment system describedherein can remove dirt and debris, such as carbon deposit, grease, mud,fertilizers, bird droppings, fungal growth, mosses, soot, etc. fromaerial cables with varying sizes. Surface preparation mechanisms of theaerial cable treatment system described herein can also perform otherfunctions, such as removing ice from the aerial cable. In accordancewith some embodiments, and as described in more detail below, a feedbacksystem can be implemented to adjust operations of the aerial cabletreatment systems (i.e., a rotational speed of a cleaning brush,direction of travel, and/or rate of travel) based on the level ofdirtiness of the aerial cable using image processing, and/or based onother parameters.

Coating mechanisms of the aerial cable treatment system described hereincan use any of a variety of suitable coating techniques. In someembodiments, air wipe technology is utilized to provide a non-contactingcoating process. Air wipe technology, as described below, can beselectively adapted to handle specific coating technology, cross winds,carriage speeds, flow volume of coating material, and so forth. In someembodiments, coatings provided by aerial cable treatment system inaccordance with the present disclosure are 5-100 microns thick, with atouch to dry time of less than 24 hours after coating. Additionally oralternatively, coating wheels, rollers, or other types of coatingapplication systems can be used, such as systems that apply a mist ofatomized liquid to the aerial cable, as described in more detail below.

An aerial cable treatment system in accordance with the presentdisclosure can utilize optical guidance systems to identify obstaclesand/or to validate the efficacy of the cleaning and coating systems. Incertain embodiments, for instance, image processing technology itutilized that compares the coating with a sample template to assess thequality of the applied coating. Image processing described herein canuse the visible spectrum and/or other spectrums, such as infrared.Furthermore, in some embodiments, by using wireless/RF communicationtechnologies or other wireless transmission protocols, an aerial cabletreatment system can provide real-time visual imaging of conductors to aremote destination (i.e. an operator on the ground) or a cloud-based orcentralized processing system.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a side view of an aerial cable treatment system100 is depicted. FIG. 2 is a top view of the aerial cable treatmentsystem 100 depicted in FIG. 1. FIGS. 1 and 2 depict simplified versionsof the aerial cable treatment system 100, with various componentsremoved or simplified for clarity of illustration. The aerial cabletreatment system 100 can have a housing 102 to which various componentsare mounted. For an aerial cable treatment system 100 that is for usewith distribution and transmission lines, the housing 102 can be ametallic framework within which the components are enclosed. The housing102 can have Corona horns to provide safety to all the components fromCorona discharge of the distribution and transmission lines.

The aerial cable treatment system 100 can be hung from an aerial cable198 such that the aerial cable treatment system 100 can traverse alongthe aerial cable 198 to perform cleaning and/or other types oftreatments along the length of the aerial cable 198. The housing 102 canhave a longitudinal axis (shown as axis L1) in FIG. 2 that generallyextends along the aerial cable 198 when the aerial cable treatmentsystem 100 is operating. The aerial cable treatment system 100 can havea forward traction wheel 110 and a rear traction wheel 112 that are eachpositioned along the longitudinal axis L1. The forward traction wheel110 rotates about a forward axle 114 and the rear traction wheel 112rotates about a rear axle 116. In certain embodiments, the outerperiphery of each of the forward traction wheel 110 and the reartraction wheel 112 can be concave to form a circumferential cove intowhich a portion of the aerial cable 198 is received when the aerialcable treatment system 100 is hung from the aerial cable 198. Theforward traction wheel 110 and the rear traction wheel 112 can be drivenby one or more drive motors in order to propel the aerial cabletreatment system 100 in a forward direction or reverse direction alongthe aerial cable 198. As shown, follower wheels 124, 126 can bepositioned to assist with keeping the aerial cable treatment system 100engaged with the aerial cable 198. In some embodiments, the verticalposition of the follower wheels 124, 126 can be adjusted such that thevertical spacing between the follower wheels 124, 126 and the forwardand rear traction wheels 110, 112 can be increased or decreased in orderto accommodate aerial cables of different diameters.

The aerial cable treatment system 100 can have an onboard opticalguidance system to assist in identifying obstacles, determine when theaerial cable treatment system 100 has reached the end of a span, and/orprovide input for operational parameters. As shown in FIG. 1, the aerialcable treatment system 100 can include one or more forward lookingcameras 122. The aerial cable treatment system 100 can also include oneor more additional cameras for providing a video feed to an imageprocessing unit, such as a backward looking camera. Based on video feedprovided by the forward looking cameras 122 and/or other cameras,decisioning can be made with regard to whether to drive the aerial cabletreatment system 100, determining a speed to drive the aerial cabletreatment system 100, and/or assisting in making other navigationaldecisions. The forward looking cameras 122 and any other cameras can bemounted to the housing 102 in any suitable location that providessuitable imagery to an image processing unit. In some embodiments, theaerial cable treatment system 100 traverses an aerial cable span, andonce it is determined, based on image processing, that an end of a spanhas been reached, the aerial cable treatment system 100 reverses itsdirection of travel so that it can return to the original point ofdeployment for recovery by an operator.

In accordance with certain embodiments, the aerial cable treatmentsystem 100 can include a cable surface preparation assembly 150 and acable coating assembly 180, both of which can be mounted to the housing102. The cable surface preparation assembly 150 can include any tools ormechanisms that prepare, clean, de-ice, or otherwise mechanicallyinteract with the aerial cable, such as brushes, bristles, scrubbers,scrapers, abrasive paper, emery paper, sandpaper, rollers, and so forth.Additional details regarding example cable surface preparationassemblies utilizing spinning brushes are provided below with referenceto FIGS. 3-4. Additional details regarding example cable coatingassemblies are provided below with reference to FIGS. 5-6. As shown inFIG. 1, the cable surface preparation assembly 150 is positioned withinthe housing 102 such that when the aerial cable treatment system 100 isadvancing in the forward direction (as indicated by arrow 120), thecable surface preparation assembly 150 can prepare the aerial cable 198prior to the cable coating assembly 180 applying a coating to thesurface of the aerial cable 198. Further, as shown in FIGS. 1-2, thecable coating assembly 180 can be coupled to the housing 102 behind therear traction wheel 112 and the follower wheels 124, 126. Using thisarrangement, the rear traction wheel 112 and the follower wheels 124,126 do not contact the aerial cable 198 subsequent to the application ofa coating to avoid degradation of a recently-applied coating.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the cable surface preparation assembly 150 inaccordance with one example embodiment is depicted. The cable surfacepreparation assembly 150 can have a cable surface abrasion assembly 160that is arranged to abrade the surface of the aerial cable 198 as theaerial cable treatment system 100 advances along the aerial cable 198.In the illustrated embodiment, the cable surface abrasion assembly 160has a plurality of rotatable brush assemblies that are utilized to cleanthe surface of the aerial cable 198. In FIG. 3, rotatable brushassemblies 172, 176 are positioned on one side the aerial cable 198 andthe rotatable brush assemblies 174, 178 are positioned on the other sideof the aerial cable 198. The relative location of the rotatable brushassemblies 172, 174, 176, 178 can be selected as to contact the entireouter surface of the aerial cable 198 as the aerial cable treatmentsystem 100 advances along the aerial cable 198. In some embodiments, therotatable brush assemblies can have varying hardness and/or includedifferent materials. For instance, the cable surface preparationassembly 150 can include one pair of relatively hard rotatable brushassemblies (such as rotatable brush assemblies 172 and 174) and one pairof relatively soft rotatable brush assemblies (such as rotatable brushassemblies 176 and 178). The rotatable brush assemblies 172, 174, 176,178 can include bristles of any suitable material, shape, structure, andsize. For instance, example manufacturing materials for the bristles caninclude metal, polymeric, natural fiber, synthetic, non-synthetic, andso forth. The rotatable brush assemblies 172, 174, 176, 178 can bedriven by any suitable drive mechanism. For instance, the rotatablebrush assemblies 172, 174, 176, 178 can be coupled to a drive motor viaa drive belt.

As shown in FIG. 3, in some embodiments, the cable surface preparationassembly 150 can include an air delivery assembly, such as a compressedair delivery assembly 164. The compressed air delivery assembly 164 canprovide an air-wipe to blow the particulate materials off the aerialcable 198. An air-wipe can create a 360° ring of air that attaches tothe circumference of the aerial cable 198 and wipes the surface with thehigh velocity of air. In such an example, as the aerial cable 198 exitsthe cable surface preparation assembly 150, any particles adhered to theaerial cable 198 can be wiped and blown off its surface. The compressedair delivery assembly 164 can also remove moisture that may be on theaerial cable 198. A suitable air jet can operate at about 60 to about100 PSI in certain embodiments, at about 70 PSI to about 90 PSI incertain embodiments, and at about 80 PSI in certain embodiments. The airjet can have a velocity (coming out of the nozzles) of about 125 mph toabout 500 mph in certain embodiments, about 150 mph to about 400 mph incertain embodiments, and about 250 mph to about 350 mph in certainembodiments. One suitable compressed air delivery assembly 164 is theNEX FLOW Ring Blade Air Wipe provided by Nex Flow Air Products Corp.,Cincinnati, Ohio. The compressed air delivery assembly 164 can be influid communication with an air compressor 166 that is mounted to thehousing 102 (FIG. 1). As described in more detail below with regard toFIG. 9, the compressed air delivery assembly 164 can be generallyring-shaped, such that an air nozzle substantially surrounds the cable198. In other arrangements, however, an air delivery assembly of thecable surface preparation assembly 150 may include, for instance, aplurality of individual air nozzles positioned to apply high velocityair to the aerial cable 198. Example suitable air nozzles include theATTO SUPER AIR NOZZLE, such as models Model 1108SS, 1108-PEEK,1108SS-NPT, and 1108-PEEK-NPT provided by EXAIR Corp., Cincinnati, Ohio.In yet other arrangement of the cable surface preparation assembly, anair delivery assembly is not utilized. In such arrangements, the whirlof air creating by the rotatably brush assemblies may serve to removedirt and debris from the aerial cable.

In certain embodiments, the cable surface preparation assembly 150includes an optical surface preparation inspection system 156.Additional details regarding an example optical surface preparationinspection system 156 are provided below with regard to FIG. 10. Theoptical surface preparation inspection system 156 can collect imagery ofthe aerial cable 198 subsequent to the cable surface abrasion assembly160 preparing the surface of the aerial cable 198. The imagery can bestill photos, video, or combinations thereof. The imagery can beanalyzed through image processing, either onboard the aerial cabletreatment system 100 or at a remote image processing unit, to determinewhether the surface preparation performed by the cable surface abrasionassembly 160 is sufficient. If the surface preparation is sufficient,the aerial cable treatment system 100 can continue to advance along theaerial cable 198. If the surface preparation is not sufficient, theaerial cable treatment system 100 can reverse its direction of travelsuch that a portion of the aerial cable 198 can be contacted by thecable surface abrasion assembly 160 again. The surface of the aerialcable 198 can then again be optically checked to determine if thesurface is sufficiently prepared. The optical surface preparationinspection system 156 can be configured, for instance, to capture imagesat fixed intervals and locally store the images in a suitable data store(such as an SD-card). In some configurations, cameras of the opticalsurface preparation inspection system 156 are positioned approximately1.5 inches away from the aerial cable 198.

While the cable surface preparation assembly 150 depicts one examplearrangement of a cable surface preparation assembly, other arrangementscan be utilized. Referring now to FIG. 4A, another example cable surfacepreparation assembly 250 is depicted. The cable surface preparationassembly 250 is similar in many respects to the cable surfacepreparation assembly 150, as it includes a compressed air deliveryassembly 264, an air compressor 266, and an optical surface preparationinspection system 256. As provided above, however, other arrangements ofthe cable surface preparation assembly 150 may utilize different typesof air delivery assemblies or none at all. The cable surface preparationassembly 250 also includes a cable surface abrasion assembly 260. Asshown, this arrangement includes two rotatable brush assemblies 272 and274. The example cable surface preparation assembly 250 also includes achemical application system 252. The chemical application system 252 canapply a chemical composition 254 to an aerial cable 298, either usingone or more nozzles or other suitable delivery mechanism, such as aroller. The chemical composition 254 can include any suitable chemical,such as a degreaser, a cleaning agent, steam, a lubricant, a deoxidizer,and so forth. While a nozzle is shown in FIG. 4A, any suitableapplicator can be used to apply the chemical composition 254 to theaerial cable 298. According to certain embodiments, the chemicalcomposition 254 can be applied by spray gun or electro spray gun atabout 10 psi to about 45 psi pressure using controlled air pressure. Insuch embodiments, the spray gun nozzle can be placed perpendicular tothe direction of the aerial cable 298 (e.g., an approximately 90° angle)to get a uniform coating on the aerial cable 298. In certain cases, twoor more guns can also be used to get more efficient coatings. FIG. 4Bdepicts another example arrangement of the cable surface preparationassembly 250 shown in FIG. 4A. The cable surface preparation assembly250 shown in FIG. 4B is shown to include the two rotatable brushassemblies 272 and 274. This arrangement, however, does not include thechemical application system 252, the compressed air delivery assembly264, the air compressor 266.

The cable surface abrasion assembly 260 of the cable surface preparationassembly 250 is position such that a chemical composition 254 is firstapplied to the surface of the aerial cable 298 and then the aerial cable298 is fed past the rotatable brush assemblies 272 and 274. In otherembodiments, however, the cable surface preparation assembly 250 canhave a different arrangement or not have certain components (such as therotatable brush assemblies 272 and 274) or include additional components(such as additional rotatable brush assemblies or additional chemicalapplication systems).

Referring now to FIG. 5, the cable coating assembly 180 in accordancewith one example embodiment is depicted. The cable coating assembly 180can have a coating applicator assembly 192 that is arranged to apply acoating to the surface of the aerial cable 198 as the aerial cabletreatment system 100 advances along the aerial cable 198. In theillustrated embodiment, the cable coating assembly 180 has a nozzle 184that is in fluid communication with a coating storage tank 182 via aliquid coating supply system 194. In some embodiments, a coating pump170 is used to pump the liquid coating from the coating storage tank 182to the nozzle 184 through the liquid coating supply system 194. Thecoating storage tank 182 can be refillable, or the coating storage tank182 can be a single-use tank that can be replaced with a full tank, asneeded. The nozzle 184 can be configured to apply a coating in any of avariety of application techniques. For instance, the nozzle 184 can dripfeed the coating, as shown in FIG. 5. Or, in some cases, the nozzle 184can form a mist of atomized liquid that is a combination of liquid andcompressed air.

The coating that is applied to the aerial cable 198 can vary based onthe type of cable. In certain embodiments, the coating is a liquidhaving a viscosity of more than 5 seconds (Zahn cup-3). The liquid canbe inorganic (e.g. silicate) or organic polymer (e.g. thermoplastic orthermoset polymer). For drying-type coatings, the coating can have asoftening temperature of more than 90° C., such as for aerial cableshaving an operating temperature of maximum 90° C. For aerial cableshaving a higher operating temperature, the softening temperature of thecoating can be higher, as appropriate for the operational conditions. Incertain embodiments, the coating applied by the cable coating assembly180 has a thickness in the rage of range 5-100 microns or 10-30 microns.The coating can have a touch to dry time of less than 24 hours and lessthan 3 hours in some cases. The aerial cable treatment system 100 canmove the cable coating assembly 180 along the aerial cable 198 at asuitable speed based on the coating type and coating applicationprocess. In one example embodiment, the speed of the aerial cabletreatment system 100 is in the range of 3 ft./minute to 100 ft./minute.The coating applied by the cable coating assembly 180 can have anemissivity greater than 0.5 or an emissivity greater than 0.7. Thecoating can have an ice-adhesion value of less than 250 Kpa. As is to beappreciated, however, the particular characteristics of the coatingapplied by the cable coating assembly 180 will depend on the type ofcable being coated and the operational parameters thereof.

Still referring to FIG. 5, a compressed air delivery assembly 186 can bepositioned to deliver compressed air to the surface of the aerial cable198 subsequent to the application of a coating by the coating applicatorassembly 192. For instance, when a drip feed coating applicator assembly192 is utilized, the compressed air delivery assembly 186 can blow airfrom an air compressor 188 to distribute the dripped-on coating materialuniformly around the surface of the aerial cable 198. The air wipeprovided by the compressed air delivery assembly 186 can allow thecoating to penetrate grooves between the strands on the surface of theaerial cable 198. This air wipe can operate using similar conditions asthe air wipe in the cable surface preparation assembly 150. Instead ofan air wipe, other forms of air delivery can be utilized, such as one ormore air nozzles positioned to distribute the dripped-on coatingmaterial. The cable coating assembly 180 can also include an opticalcoating inspection system 190. Additional details regarding an examplean optical coating inspection system are provided below with regard toFIG. 10. The optical coating inspection system 190 can collect imageryof the aerial cable 198 subsequent to the application of a coating bythe coating applicator assembly 192. The imagery can be still photos,video, or combinations thereof. The imagery can be analyzed throughimage processing, either onboard the aerial cable treatment system 100or at a remote image processing unit, to determine whether the coatingapplied by the coating applicator assembly 192 is sufficient. In someembodiments, if the surface coating is sufficient, the aerial cabletreatment system 100 can continue to advance along the aerial cable 198.If the surface coating is not sufficient, the aerial cable treatmentsystem 100 can reverse its direction of travel such that a coating canbe re-applied to a portion of the aerial cable 198. However, care can betaken so that traction wheels do not contact uncured or wet section ofcoating. The surface of the aerial cable 198 can then again be opticallychecked to determine if the coating is sufficient.

While the cable coating assembly 180 depicts one example arrangement ofa cable coating assembly, other arrangements can be utilized. Referringnow to FIG. 6, another example cable coating assembly 280 is depicted.The cable coating assembly 280 is similar in many respects to the cablecoating assembly 180, as it includes an optical coating inspectionsystem 290, a coating applicator assembly 292 that applies a coatingstored in a coating storage tank 282, and coating pumps 270. The coatingapplicator assembly 292, however, includes coating wheels 276, 278 thatare in fluid communication with a liquid coating supply system 294. Thecoating wheels 276, 278 can be roll along the aerial cable 298, makingcontact therewith and applying a liquid coating from the coating wheels276, 278 to the aerial cable 298. An optical coating inspection system290 can be used to assess the sufficiency of the liquid coating that wasapplied by the coating wheels 276, 278. A coating composition canalternatively be applied by a spray gun (e.g., electro spray gun) incertain embodiments. A spray gun can apply the coating composition usinga pressure of about 10 psi to about 45 psi. In such embodiments, thespray gun nozzle can be placed perpendicular (e.g., at about 90°) to thelongitudinal direction of the substrate to achieve a uniform coating onthe substrate. In certain embodiments, two or more spray guns can beused to obtain more efficient, or uniform, coatings. The coatingthickness and density can be controlled by the admixture viscosity, gunpressure, and the speed of the associated aerial cable treatment system.In some embodiments, the coating applicator assembly 292 comprises afoam-based applicator that is configured to apply foam to the aerialcable 298.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a multi-carriage aerial cable treatment system300 is depicted. The multi-carriage aerial cable treatment system 300can include a first carriage 302 and a second carriage 304 that can beseparately deployed on an aerial cable 398. Both carriages can beindependently translatable along the aerial cable 398 simultaneously,such that the second carriage 304 follows the first carriage 302 alongthe aerial cable 398. Alternatively, the first carriage 302 can completeits traversal of the aerial cable 398 before the second carriage 304 isengaged with the aerial cable 398. In the illustrated embodiment, thefirst carriage 302 is used to translate a cable surface preparationassembly 350 in a first direction (indicated by arrow 320) along theaerial cable 398 and the second carriage 304 is used to separatelytranslate a cable coating assembly 380 along the aerial cable 398 in thefirst direction. Each of the first and second carriages 302, 304 caninclude one or more cameras 322 to provide images to respective imageprocessing systems to aid in navigation of the first and secondcarriages 302, 304 along the aerial cable 398.

Each of the carriages 302 and 304 can be constructed similarly as theaerial cable treatment system 100 shown in FIGS. 1-2. For instance, thefirst carriage 302 can have a forward traction wheel 310 and a reartraction wheel 312 that are coupled to a first housing 306 and that aredrivable by a motor to propel the first carriage 302 along the aerialcable 398. Follower wheels 324, 326 can assist with maintaining theengagement of the first carriage 302 to the aerial cable 398. Each ofthe traction wheels 310, 312 and the follower wheels 324, 326 can havesimilar diameters, as shown, or have different diameters. Each of theforward traction wheel 310 and the rear traction wheel 312 can bepositioned along a longitudinal axis of the first carriage 302, shown asaxis L2 in FIG. 7. The cable surface preparation assembly 350 caninclude components similar to those discussed above with regard to cablesurface preparation assembly 150 and/or cable surface preparationassembly 250.

The second carriage 304 can have a forward traction wheel 328 and a reartraction wheel 330 that are drivable by a motor to propel the secondcarriage 304 along the aerial cable 298. Follower wheels 332, 334 canassist with maintaining the engagement of the second carriage 304 to theaerial cable 398. Each of the forward traction wheel 328 and the reartraction wheel 330 can be positioned along a longitudinal axis of thesecond carriage 304, shown as axis L3 in FIG. 7. The cable coatingassembly 380 can include components similar to those discussed abovewith regard to cable coating assembly 180 and/or cable coating assembly280. Further, as depicted in FIG. 7, both of the forward traction wheel328 and the rear traction wheel 330 can be coupled to a second housing308 such that they both make contact with the aerial cable 398 prior toapplication of a coating by the cable coating assembly 380 when thesecond carriage 304 is moving in a forward direction, as indicated bythe arrow in FIG. 7.

During operation of the multi-carriage aerial cable treatment system300, for instance, an operator can send the first carriage 302 down anaerial cable 398 to prepare the surface of the aerial cable 398 for acoating. The first carriage 302 can abrade the surface, apply a chemicaltreatment to the surface, and/or perform other surface preparationfunctions. Once the first carriage 302 has traversed the span, it canautomatically return to the initial point of deployment. The operatorcan then remove the first carriage 302 from the aerial cable 398 andengage the second carriage 304 to the aerial cable 398. The secondcarriage 304 can then traverse the span to apply a coating to thesurface of the aerial cable 398. Depending on the type of coatingapplied, the second carriage 304 can either automatically return to theinitial point of deployment or remain at the end of the span so that theoperator can disengage the second carriage 304 from the aerial cable 398at that point.

While the first carriage 302 and the second carriage 304 in FIG. 7 areself-propelling and contain on-board drive assemblies, this disclosureis not so limited. In some embodiments, for instance, a separatepropulsion carriage can be used that has an on-board drive assembly. Thepropulsion carriage can pull (or push) one or both of the carriages thathave an on-board cable surface preparation assembly and/or cable surfacepreparation assembly but do not include an on-board drive assembly.Using this approach, the propulsion unit can include one or moretraction wheels that are driven by a drive assembly. With the carriageshousing the board cable surface preparation assembly and cable surfacepreparation assembly not needing an independent drive assembly, theoverall weight of those carriages can be reduced. Therefore, in someembodiments, a cable treatment system can include propulsion carriage, afirst carriage carrying a cable surface preparation assembly, and asecond carriage carrying a cable surface preparation assembly. Thepropulsion unit can be configured to translate each of the first andsecond carriages along an aerial cable, either separately orsimultaneously. In accordance with another embodiment, a cable treatmentsystem can include propulsion carriage and a carriage that carries acable surface preparation assembly and a cable surface preparationassembly.

In accordance with some embodiments, an aerial cable treatment systemcan include a cable access assembly to aid in the mounting anddismounting of the aerial cable treatment system onto an aerial cable.Referring to FIGS. 8A-8D an example aerial cable treatment system 400having a cable access assembly 436 is depicted. The cable accessassembly 436 is simplified for clarity of illustration. The aerial cabletreatment system 400 is similar to the aerial cable treatment system100, as it includes a forward looking camera 422, a forward tractionwheel 410, a rear traction wheel 412, and follower wheels 424, 426, 432.The aerial cable treatment system 400 also has a housing 402 to which acable surface preparation assembly 450 and a cable coating assembly 480are mounted. It is to be appreciated, however, that in some embodimentsthe aerial cable treatment system 400 can include only a cable surfacepreparation assembly 450 or a cable coating assembly 480. In theillustrated embodiment, the aerial cable treatment system 400 includescable access assembly 436 to help to mount and dismount the system froman aerial cable 498. The cable access assembly 436 can include thefollower wheels 424, 426, 432 which are connected to the housing 402 viaarms 438 that each pivot about pivot points 440. In some embodiments,various types of cross-bracing 442 or other mechanical features canassist with swiveling the components of the cable access assembly 436between various positions.

FIGS. 8A-8D depict a progression of engaging the aerial cable treatmentsystem 400 to the aerial cable 498 using the cable access assembly 436.Referring first to FIG. 8A, the cable access assembly 436 is shown in afirst position, prior to being loaded onto an aerial cable. In order toprepare the aerial cable treatment system 400 for engagement with anaerial cable, the cable access assembly 436 can be swiveled or pivotedto a second position, as shown in FIG. 8B. As shown, in the secondpositions, lower components are dropped away from the upper componentsto provide access to a cable receiving channel 414, which generallyextends longitudinally through the aerial cable treatment system 400.

While the cable access assembly 436 is in the second position, theaerial cable treatment system 400 can be hung from the aerial cable 498,as shown in FIG. 8C. Once in place, the cable access assembly 436 can beswiveled to its original position and locked in place, such that theaerial cable 498 is secured within the cable receiving channel 414, asshown in FIG. 8D. The aerial cable treatment system 400 can then bedriven down the aerial cable 498 in the direction indicated by arrow 420to prepare and/or coat the aerial cable 498. To disengage the aerialcable treatment system 400 from the aerial cable 498, the aerial cable498 can be swiveled to the second position (i.e., as shown in FIG. 8C)so that the aerial cable 498 can be removed from the cable receivingchannel 414.

Referring now to FIG. 9, an example air delivery assembly is depicted.The example air delivery assembly of FIG. 9 is a compressed air deliveryassembly 564 that can be similar to the compressed air deliveryassemblies 164, 264, and 186 shown in FIGS. 3-5. The compressed airdelivery assembly 564 can have an annular air nozzle 568 that is influid communication with a compressed air source, such as an aircompressor. In other arrangements, however, different nozzlearrangements or high velocity air delivery techniques can be utilized.For aerial cable treatment systems that include multiple compressed airdelivery assemblies, a single air compressor can be used that is influid communication with a plurality of compressed air deliveryassemblies 564. Valving, such as solenoids, can be positioned betweenthe compressed air delivery assemblies and the air compressor so thatthe air compressor can selectably supply compressed air to a singlecompressed air delivery assembly at a time. The annular air nozzle 568can be sized to surround a substantial portion of an aerial cable 598.In some embodiments, the compressed air delivery assembly 564 has acable receiving channel 514 through which the aerial cable 598 passeswhen an associated aerial cable treatment system is engaged to theaerial cable 598. In other embodiments, a portion of the compressed airdelivery assembly 564 can be a component of a cable access assembly(such as cable access assembly 436) that pivots, or otherwise moves awayfrom a stationary portion of the compressed air delivery assembly 564 toallow for proper placement of the aerial cable 598 relative to thecompressed air delivery assembly 564.

Referring now to FIG. 10, an example optical coating inspection system690 is depicted. Such optical coating inspection system 690 can besimilar to the optical coating inspection systems 190 and 290 shown inFIGS. 5-6. Additionally, the optical surface preparation inspectionsystems 156 and 256 shown in FIGS. 3-4 can be constructed similarly asthe optical coating inspection system 690. The optical coatinginspection system 690 can have a ring bracket 618 to which a pluralityof inspection cameras 696 are mounted. In the illustrated embodiment,optical coating inspection system 690 has three inspection cameras 696that are mounted around the ring bracket 618 at about 120° intervals toprovide 360° inspection capabilities. Accordingly, the three inspectioncameras 696 can provide imagery of the entire surface of the aerialcable 698. In other embodiments, a greater number or lesser number ofinspection cameras 696 can be used. In some embodiments, the ringbracket 618 has a cable receiving channel 614 through which the aerialcable 698 passes when an associated aerial cable treatment system isengaged to the aerial cable 698. The inspection cameras 696 can providevideo/image feed to a local or remote image processing system such thatreal-time image processing can be performed. In some embodiments, theoptical coating inspection system 690 is positioned within an enclosurethat provides a constant level of light intensity in order to increasethe efficiency and accuracy of the image processing. Further, in someembodiments, the images collected by the inspection cameras 696 areprovided to a human operator (i.e., at a ground station interface) whoexamines the images and determines the operational parameters of theassociated aerial cable treatment system.

FIG. 11 depicts example rotatable brush assemblies 772 and 774 inaccordance with various non-limiting embodiments. The rotatable brushassemblies 772 and 774 are similar to the rotatable brush assemblies172, 174, 176, and 178 illustrated in FIG. 3. The bristles of FIG. 11,however, have been removed for clarify of illustration. The rotatablebrush assembly 772 has a first rotatable hub 776, and the rotatablebrush assembly 774 has a second rotatable hub 778. Each of the firstrotatable hub 776 and the second rotatable hub 778 can have portsthrough which bristles can be installed, such that the bristles extendgenerally perpendicular to the surface of the hubs. Each of therotatable brush assemblies 772 and 774 can also be operatively coupledto a drive motor. In the illustrated embodiment, the first rotatablebrush assembly 772 is operatively coupled to a drive motor 780 and thesecond rotatable brush assembly 774 is operative coupled to a drivemotor 782. In other embodiments, a single drive motor is operable todrive multiple rotatable brush assemblies. The material and hardnesslevel of the bristles can vary. In some embodiments, for instance,stainless steel bristles are used. Referring to the first rotatable hub776, it can have an end outer diameter (shown as D1) and a center outerdiameter (shown as D2) with the end outer diameter (D1) larger than thecenter outer diameter (D2). In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 11,each of the first rotatable hub 776 and the second rotatable hub 778flare from the center outer diameter to the end outer diameter. Suchflaring forms a cove between the two opposing sides of the rotatablehubs 776, 778. During operation, an aerial cable 798 can be positionedsuch that a first portion (i.e., upper portion) of the aerial cable 798is received into the cove of the first rotatable hub 776 and a secondportion (i.e., lower portion) of the aerial cable 798 is received intothe cove of the second rotatable hub 778. In this arrangement, thebristles contact the entire outer surface of the aerial cable 798 as therotatable hubs 776, 778 rotate, thereby removing dirt, debris, rust,and/or other particulates.

FIG. 12 depicts an example control system of an aerial cable treatmentsystem 800. While the aerial cable treatment system 800 has a cablesurface preparation system 824 and a cable coating system 834, thisdisclosure is not so limited. It is to be appreciated that similarcontrol systems can be used for aerial cable treatment systems havingonly a cable coating system or a cable surface preparation system. Acontroller 804 is in communication with each of the varioussystems/modules of the aerial cable treatment system 800, such as anoptical system 810, a drive system 818, the cable surface preparationsystem 824, and the cable coating system 834. The controller 804 canalso communicate with other onboard modules such as a data input/outputmodule 802. The data input/output module 802 can, for instance, providewireless or wired communication functionality. The data input/outputmodule 802 can transmit/receive information (such as alarms, images,etc.) between an image processing decision engine application and aground station. The ground station can be equipped with a human-machineinterface for user interaction. The aerial cable treatment system 800can also include a power source 806, such as battery, that is used topower the onboard electronics and the various drive motors, pumps,solenoids, compressors, cameras, and so forth.

The optical system 810 of the aerial cable treatment system 800 caninclude the various cameras utilized during operation, such as forwardlooking camera(s) 812, surface preparation camera(s) 814, and/or surfacecoating camera(s) 816. The drive system 818 can include variouscomponents that propel the aerial cable treatment system 800 along anaerial cable, such as drive motor(s) 820 and traction wheels 822. Thecable surface preparation system 824 can include one or more drivemotors 826 (i.e., for operating abrasion assemblies), abrasion wheel(s)830, a compressor 828, and an air nozzle 832. The cable coating system834 can include a pump 836, a tank level sensor 840, a compressor 838,and an air nozzle 842. In certain embodiments, the compressor 828 andthe compressor 838 are the same compressor. The controller 804 can alsoreceive inputs from one or more sensors 844. Example sensors 844 caninclude a temperature sensor, a battery status sensor, a speed sensor,an altitude sensor, an inclination angle sensor, and so forth. Based oninputs from the sensors 844, the controller 804 can determine drivespeed, drive direction, among other operational parameters.

FIG. 13 depicts an example operational environment for an aerial cabletreatment system 900 in accordance with the present disclosure. Asshown, the aerial cable treatment system 900 is engaged with an aerialcable 998 that is a high-voltage transmission line. The aerial cabletreatment system 900 is shown traversing in a forward direction, asshown by arrow 920, along the aerial cable 998 between a first tower 910and a second tower 912. As it traverses along the aerial cable 998, thesurface can be cleaned and/or coated, depending on the configuration ofthe aerial cable treatment system 900.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood asbeing strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead,unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean boththe recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding thatvalue.

It should be understood that every maximum numerical limitation giventhroughout this specification includes every lower numerical limitation,as if such lower numerical limitations were expressly written herein.Every minimum numerical limitation given throughout this specificationwill include every higher numerical limitation, as if such highernumerical limitations were expressly written herein. Every numericalrange given throughout this specification will include every narrowernumerical range that falls within such broader numerical range, as ifsuch narrower numerical ranges were all expressly written herein.

Every document cited herein, including any cross-referenced or relatedpatent or application, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation ofany document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect toany invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in anycombination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests,or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaningor definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning ordefinition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, themeaning or definition assigned to that term in the document shallgovern.

The foregoing description of embodiments and examples has been presentedfor purposes of description. It is not intended to be exhaustive orlimiting to the forms described. Numerous modifications are possible inlight of the above teachings. Some of those modifications have beendiscussed and others will be understood by those skilled in the art. Theembodiments were chosen and described for illustration of variousembodiments. The scope is, of course, not limited to the examples orembodiments set forth herein, but can be employed in any number ofapplications and equivalent articles by those of ordinary skill in theart. Rather it is hereby intended the scope be defined by the claimsappended hereto.

1. An aerial cable treatment system, comprising: a housing having alongitudinal axis; a drive system, wherein the drive system comprises aforward traction wheel and a rear traction wheel that are each coupledto the housing and positioned along the longitudinal axis, wherein atleast one of the forward traction wheel and the rear traction wheel aredrivable to propel the housing along an aerial cable under treatment; acable coating system comprising: a coating storage tank coupled to thehousing; a coating applicator assembly coupled to the housing; and acoating pump operative to pump a coating material from the coatingstorage tank to the coating applicator assembly; and a power source inelectrical communication with the drive system and the cable coatingsystem.
 2. The aerial cable treatment system of claim 1, wherein thecoating applicator assembly comprises at least one nozzle.
 3. The aerialcable treatment system of claim 2, wherein the cable coating assemblycomprises an air delivery assembly positioned to direct an airflowtoward an aerial cable under treatment.
 4. The aerial cable treatmentsystem of claim 1, wherein the cable coating assembly comprises anoptical coating inspection system.
 5. The aerial cable treatment systemof claim 4, wherein the optical coating inspection system comprises aplurality of coating inspection cameras.
 6. The aerial cable treatmentsystem of claim 5, wherein the plurality of coating inspection camerasare radially arranged.
 7. The aerial cable treatment system of claim 1,wherein the housing has a front end portion, and wherein the reartraction wheel is positioned closer to the front end portion than thecoating applicator assembly.
 8. The aerial cable treatment system ofclaim 1, wherein the power source is in electrical communication withthe coating pump.
 9. The aerial cable treatment system of claim 1,wherein the cable coating system further comprises a coating storagetank level sensor.
 10. The aerial cable treatment system of claim 1,wherein the coating storage tank is refillable.
 11. The aerial cabletreatment system of claim 1, wherein the coating storage tank is asingle-use tank.
 12. The aerial cable treatment system of claim 1,further comprising the coating material stored within the coatingstorage tank.
 13. The aerial cable treatment system of claim 12, whereinthe coating material is a drying-type coating having a softeningtemperature of more than 90° C.
 14. An aerial cable treatment system,comprising: a framework suspendable from an aerial cable undertreatment; a traction wheel coupled to the framework, wherein thetraction wheel is drivable by a drive motor to propel the framework; acoating storage tank; a coating applicator assembly; a coating pumpoperative to pump a coating material from the coating storage tank tothe coating applicator assembly; and a controller in electricalcommunication with at least the drive motor and the coating pump. 15.The aerial cable treatment system of claim 14, wherein the tractionwheel is drivable by the drive motor to selectively propel the frameworkalong an aerial cable under treatment in each of a forward direction anda reverse direction.
 16. The aerial cable treatment system of claim 14,further comprising a forward-looking camera.
 17. The aerial cabletreatment system of claim 14, wherein the traction wheel is drivable bythe drive motor to propel the framework at a speed of 3 ft./minute to100 ft./minute.
 18. An aerial cable treatment system, comprising: ahousing having a longitudinal axis; a drive system, wherein the drivesystem comprises a forward traction wheel and a rear traction wheel thatare each coupled to the housing and positioned along the longitudinalaxis, wherein at least one of the forward traction wheel and the reartraction wheel is drivable to propel the housing at a speed of 3ft./minute to 100 ft./minute; a cable coating system comprising: acoating storage tank; a nozzle; and a coating pump operative to pump acoating material from the coating storage tank to the nozzle; and apower source in electrical communication with the drive system and thecable coating system.
 19. The aerial cable treatment system of claim 18,wherein the nozzle is one of an air nozzle and a drip-feed nozzle. 20.The aerial cable treatment system of claim 18, wherein the housing issuspendable from an aerial cable.